Energy Audits / BER
What is a BER?
A new dwelling for which planning permission was applied for and granted since January 2007 will require a Building Energy Rating (BER) when it is sold, rented or leased. The BER expresses how well the dwelling performs in relation to energy efficiency and is rated from "A" to "G" not unlike the efficiency rating given to white electrical goods like washing machines. The BER will enable prospective buyers or tenants to compare properties in relation to energy efficiency. Thus a high rated BER property should improve its market value particularly where energy costs are a concern.
Will all existing and new buildings need a BER?
In short yes! But the legislation enforcing this requirement has been introduced in phases.
Dates for BER:
Since the 1st of January 2007 all new residential dwellings for which planning was applied for must have a BER.
Since 1st of July 2008 all new non-residential buildings for which planning applied must have a BER.
From the 1st of January 2009 all buildings (residential and commercial, new and existing) must have a BER when offered for sale, rent or lease renewal.
How is a BER Calculated?
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is the Irish government body that sets out the method and standards for how the BER is calculated, recorded and issued. The software used to calculate a BER is issued by SEAI and only SEAI registered BER Assessors can undertake a BER. A BER will take into account the size of the building, the building fabric, ventilation, space and water heating, fuel type and lighting to determine the energy efficiency of the building. Technically speaking the software works out the amount of CO2 per meter squared a building produces and compares that value against the SEAI set "A1" to "G" scale of CO2 per meter squared. With an "A" rating being the best as it indicates the least amount of CO2 (and hence energy) being produced per m2. Typically a well built late 1990's three bedroom semi detached house heated with oil or gas would achieve a "C3" rating.
OLM Energy Audits / BER's
A BER will be accompanied by an Advisory Report which will contain recommendations on how a building can improve its energy efficiency.
An Energy Audit of existing or planned buildings can result in recommendations that provide substantial energy savings. To evaluate various designs, products, technologies, insulation thicknesses, etc. the BER software can be used to examine their benefit and in conjunction with OLM Consultancy's Quantity Surveying experience, these options can be costed and their life cycle costs considered.
Provisional BERs is required if your selling properties off the plans (This will be valid for two years). A full BER (based on the built building) is valid for 10 years.